What power does Congress have?

The power of Congress to declare war is a significant aspect of its responsibilities and authority as outlined in the U.S. Constitution. This power is explicitly granted to Congress in Article I, Section 8, which states that Congress has the authority to "declare War." This means that only Congress has the legislative power to initiate military action, as opposed to the President, who can direct military operations once a war is declared but does not have the unilateral power to declare war without Congressional approval.

The ability to declare war reflects the framers' intent to ensure a system of checks and balances between the legislative and executive branches. This power allows Congress to deliberate and make decisions on matters of national defense and military engagement, ensuring that such significant actions are subject to wider political debate and consensus.

In contrast, the appointment of judges is a power designated to the President, with the advice and consent of the Senate. Ratifying treaties is also a power linked to Congress, specifically the Senate, which can approve treaties negotiated by the President. Managing state budgets is primarily a responsibility of state governments rather than the federal Congress itself.